Muslim Blogger experience in Europe Top Destinations

Islamic Heritage of Al Andalus: Lisbon Before 1147 Lisbon was an important Moorish trading port with strong ties to North African heartland. After crusade Christianity was introduced in Portugal until today. Lisbon Sight Seeing Central Mosque The main mosque of the Portuguese Islamic community was inaugurated in 1985 to serve the Muslim community of the Portuguese capital. Address: Rua Mesquita 2, 1070-238 Lisboa, Portugal Lisbon Cathedral The exterior of the grand church from the 12th century resembles more a fortification than a religious centre, with massive solid walls and two imposing clock towers. It was built on top of a ruined mosque and symbolically confirmed the catholic conquest of Portugal. Address: Largo da Sé, 1100-585 Lisboa, Portugal Comercio Square The most important squeare of Lisbon, was for decades the open gate to Europe of maritim commerce coming from the Atlantic Ocean. Address: Av. Infante Dom Henrique 1, 1100-016 Lisboa, Portugal Rossio Square This place is one of Lisbon people meeting point to hang out. It is a very lively area to experimient the vibe of the city. Address: Praça Dom Pedro IV, 1100-201, Lisboa. Jeronimos Monastery Is one of the most popular tourist sight of Lisbon, protected as World Heritage by UNESCO for its great ornamentation. It took almost a century to finish the construction. Inagurated by the spanish ruler Felipe II in 1604. Situated in the Belem district of western Lisbon on the banks of the River Tagus and overlooking the docks of Belem. Today the waters edge is 300m further south than it was 500 years ago, leaving space for the beautiful Praça do Imperio gardens. This grand religious building was historically associated with the early sailors as explorers, as it was from here where Vasco De Gama departed to the Far East. Visiting Time 10:00-17:00 Oct.-April and 10:00-17:00 May-Sept. (Closed Mondays)

Islamic Heritage of Al Andalus: Lisbon Before 1147 Lisbon was an important Moorish trading port with strong ties to North African heartland. After crusade Christianity was introduced in Portugal until today. Lisbon Sight Seeing Central Mosque The main mosque of the Portuguese Islamic community was inaugurated in 1985 to serve the Muslim community of the

Visit Andalusia The Greatest Islamic Spain Heritage During 8th centuries Muslim and Christian coexist in the Iberian Peninsula, an unique phenomenon in medieval Europe. The Muslim presence continued until their expulsion, but left behind a profound imprint. But it was in Andalusia where Islam gave its greatest fruits, and these can still be seen in many places, constructions and buildings which have in some cases received the protection of UNESCO declaring them a World Heritage for their value. The culture of Al Andalus was profoundly urban; reason why Andalusia had over 60 major cities. The Islamic city typically had a series of fixed elements. The wall, with its towers and doors, fortress (Alcazaba) and palace (Alcazar). Inside the walls a compact town, the site of the congregational mosques, markets, granaries, silk exchanges, and public baths. The most important cities had neighbourhoods extending beyond the walls. There were numerous different quarters inside the cities, inhabited mainly by Christians known as Mozarabs, and the Jews. The streets were narrow and winding, with large sections of walls and little alleys whose doors by day gave access to the interior of the blocks and their families privacy. Routes of Andalusí Heritage include all the roads which were laid down centuries ago to connect the Kingdom of Granada with the rest of Andalusia, Murcia and Portugal. The routes recovered by Andalusí Foundation trace the original layout of these itineraries. Explore over 280 towns and villages, many of them far removed from the usual tourist circuit, as well as offering travellers the chance to enjoy with calm these landscapes and meet the local communities life style, and their arts and crafts. Find the Al Andalus Heritage Routes in Andalusia Tourism website here Our Muslim Tours of Al Andalus Heritage If you are interested in visiting this places, please check out our Andalusia Islamic

Visit Andalusia The Greatest Islamic Spain Heritage During 8th centuries Muslim and Christian coexist in the Iberian Peninsula, an unique phenomenon in medieval Europe. The Muslim presence continued until their expulsion, but left behind a profound imprint. But it was in Andalusia where Islam gave its greatest fruits, and these can still be seen in

ISLAMIC HERITAGE OF ANDALUSIA, SPAIN What to see in Ronda In the 6th century the Celts who founded Ronda (Malaga) calling it Arunda. Over centuries was settled by Romans, Phoenicians, Visigoths and Arabs. In fact, like most of Andalusia, Ronda has a rich Islamic Heritage that can still be seen in its architecture. For years, the city was the capital of a small Berber Kingdom and was home to several famous poets and scholars of the Islamic world. Arabic Bathhouses The Arabic Bathhouses, located in the ancient Jewish quarter, were built in the early 14th century. Despite their extraordinary architectural interest they were abandoned and the floodwaters from the River Guadalevín eventually buried them. When the Duchess of Parcent ordered the construction of some gardens in this area the first remains of the bathhouses came to light. The excavations that have been done to date have allowed the recovery of the three chambers of the bathhouse (cold, warm and hot), which are linked by semicircular arches and covered with barrel-vaulted roofs. The bathhouse vaults are perforated by star shaped openings that filter the sunlight and create a beautiful effect. Parts of the boilers and of the water pipes are still on the site, that is one of the best preserved bathhouses from that era in all of Spain. Address: Molino de Alarcón, 11, Ronda, 29400, Málaga Visiting Time: Monday to sunday from10:00 to 18:00 Arab Bridge The Arab bridge known also as The old bridge is the oldest and smallest of three bridges that span the 120 metres deep of the canyon El Tajo in Ronda. It was built in 1616, and currently only carries pedestrian traffic. The new bridge was built in the 16th century after the Reconquest, when the market districts of Ronda were forming. The citizens of Ronda requested a new bridge

ISLAMIC HERITAGE OF ANDALUSIA, SPAIN What to see in Ronda In the 6th century the Celts who founded Ronda (Malaga) calling it Arunda. Over centuries was settled by Romans, Phoenicians, Visigoths and Arabs. In fact, like most of Andalusia, Ronda has a rich Islamic Heritage that can still be seen in its architecture. For years, the

ISLAMIC HERITAGE OF AL ANDALUS: What to See in Toledo Bab Al Mardum Mosque Built between 999 and 1000 according to an inscription found on its façade, is frecuent to think that was a private institution as reflected by its small size. In Bab Mardum the technique introduced in these domes is very revealing, with the insertion of supporting ribs intersecting each other in similar fashion to that of Cordoba. The ribs of the central dome were arranged in a star form crowning the structure and externally the dome was raised slightly above the rest of the roof. Its significance is in its contribution to early gothic architecture. Address: Cristo de la Luz, 22, 45003 Toledo Visiting Time May 01 to Oct 30 Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM / 3:30 PM to 6:40 PM Weekend: 10:00 AM to 6:40 PM Nov 01 to Apr 30 Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM /3:30 PM to 5:45 PM Weekend: 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM Boabdil Personal items Set of objects said to belong to Abu Abd Allah Muhammad last Nasrid king of Granada, a jineta sword, estoque sword and clothes. Both Nasrid swords stand out because of their decoration. The jineta sword bears inscriptions from the Koran and Moorish motifs on the hilt. On the estoque sword there is an inscription with the motto of the Nasrid dynasty: "Only God is victorious". The costume was worn by Boabdil during the battle of Lucena in the 15th century, and it was given to his captors by the Catholic Monarchs, as plunder. The red velvet marlota (outer skirt), made in a Christian kingdom with Gothic motifs and the colour of the reigning dynasty in Granada, Banu Ahmar is a symbol of the situation of Al-Andalus during the last stage of Moorish domination in the Iberian Peninsula. The Old Bisagra Gate

ISLAMIC HERITAGE OF AL ANDALUS: What to See in Toledo Bab Al Mardum Mosque Built between 999 and 1000 according to an inscription found on its façade, is frecuent to think that was a private institution as reflected by its small size. In Bab Mardum the technique introduced in these domes is very revealing, with the

Islamic Heritage of Andalusia, Spain What to see in Zaragoza Aljaferia Palace - Mudejar Architecture of Aragon Find a great sample of Taifa Art in this fortified medieval palace built on the 11th century, during the intermediate time of independent kingdoms previous to the arrival of the Almoravides. The Mudejar remains of the palace are declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The oldest construction of the Aljafería is the Troubadour Tower, a defensive structure which date back to the end of the 9th century, in the period governed by the first Banu Tujibi, Muhammad Alanqur, who was named after Muhammad I of Cordoba, independent Emir of Cordoba. The ornamentation of the Aljaferia, use of mixtilinear arcs and of the springers in "S", the extension of the arabesque in large surfaces or the outlining and progressive abstraction of the yeseria of vegetal character, influenced the Almoravid art and Almohad art. Halal Restaurant in Zaragoza During your visit to Zaragoza you may like to find a Halal Restaurant. Samiramis You may also like check our videos

Islamic Heritage of Andalusia, Spain What to see in Zaragoza Aljaferia Palace – Mudejar Architecture of Aragon Find a great sample of Taifa Art in this fortified medieval palace built on the 11th century, during the intermediate time of independent kingdoms previous to the arrival of the Almoravides. The Mudejar remains of the palace are declared World Heritage

ISLAMIC HERITAGE OF ANDALUSIA, SPAIN What to See in Cordoba At the birth of Islamic Art in Al Andalus there is much influence of Visigoth and Roman art. Let explore the period known as Emiral Cordobes and its Islamic Heritage left behind. The Great Mosque of Cordoba The Islamic Art is mainly developed in the cities that were once capitals of Al Andalus. In Cordoba we found the most splendid monument of all Western Islamic World, the Great Mosque. Its construction commenced in 785, when Abd-ar-Rahman established Cordoba as capital of Al Andalus, on the site of an ancient church dedicated to San Vicentee. Afterwards it was extended during successive periods by Abd-ar-Rahman II, Al-Hakam II and Almanzor. An excellent sample of Omeya architecture, the Great Mosque is a harmonious combination of various different styles: the initial works of Abd-ar-Rahman I display hispano-visigothic influences, taking advantage of materials and columns gathered from other constructions. The building occupies 24,000m2 and is divided in two areas: the arcade sahn, where the alminar is constructed by Abd al-Rahman III, and the haram. The interior space produces a strong chromatic effect due the amount of columns and red and white arches. Since 1523 the Great Mosque has also housed a christian cathedral, constructed in the wake of the Reconquest along with other side chapels. Visiting Times: November-February: Monday to Saturday, 8.30-18.00 h. Sundays and religious feasts, 8.30-11.30 h. and 15.00 18.00 h. March-October: Monday to Saturday, 10.00-19.00 h. Sundays and religious feasts, 8.30-11.30 h. and 15.00-19.00 h. Address: Calle del Cardenal Herrero, 1, 14003 Cordoba Medinat Al-Zahra Palatal city of Abd-al-Rahman III the most prosperous caliph in the West during only comparable with Baghdad and Byzantium in his times. It was built on stepped terraces to take advantage of the slope of the mountain and each terrace was separated from the others

ISLAMIC HERITAGE OF ANDALUSIA, SPAIN What to See in Cordoba At the birth of Islamic Art in Al Andalus there is much influence of Visigoth and Roman art. Let explore the period known as Emiral Cordobes and its Islamic Heritage left behind. The Great Mosque of Cordoba The Islamic Art is mainly developed in the cities that

ISLAMIC HERITAGE OF ANDALUSIA, SPAIN What to see in Seville Seville Cathedral - Ancient Aljama Mosque Santa Maria de la Sede is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and is recognised as UNESCO World Heritage. The basilica occupies the site of the great Aljama Mosque, built in the late 12th century by the Almohads, the ruling Moorish Dynasty. The remaining parts are Patio de Naranjas, Puerta del Perdon, and the Giralda. Address: Av. de la Constitución, 41004 Sevilla Visiting Time: Monday: 11:00 - 15:30 / 16:30 - 18:00 Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 - 17:00 Sunday: 14:30 - 18:00 Royal Alcazar Originally built as a Moorish fort, it’s a warren of tranquil courtyards, ornately tiled reception rooms and lush gardens. Savour in particular the orange groves and 16th century Ladies’ Gardenwith its fountains and bordered pathways. Address: Patio de Banderas, 41004 Sevilla Visiting Time: from 9:30 to 17:00 Tower of Gold Along the banks of the Guadalquivir River we found this 13th century military watchtower, which name comes from the golden shine it projected on the river. It was erected by the Almohad Caliphate in order to control access to Seville via the river. In the Middle Ages the tower served as a prison. Address: Paseo de Cristobal Colón, 41001 Sevilla Giralda tower Built in the 12th century, is inspired in the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh. The tower first two thirds is a former minaret from the Almohad period of Seville, the upper third Spanish Renaissance architecture. Address: Av. de la Constitución, 41004 Sevilla Plaza España The Square of Spain designed by Anibal González, was a principal building on the Maria Luisa Park edge to showcase Spain's industry and technology exhibits. Gonzalez combined a mix of 1920s Art Deco, "mock Mudejar", and Neo-Mudéjar styles. The complex is a huge half-circle with buildings continually running around the edge accessible over the moat by numerous bridges representing

ISLAMIC HERITAGE OF ANDALUSIA, SPAIN What to see in Seville Seville Cathedral – Ancient Aljama Mosque Santa Maria de la Sede is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and is recognised as UNESCO World Heritage. The basilica occupies the site of the great Aljama Mosque, built in the late 12th century by the Almohads, the ruling Moorish Dynasty. The

Discover Granada Islamic Heritage sites & other must see sights The Alhambra and the Generalife The Alhambra is an UNESCO site dated on 9th century. Its palaces, towers, royal apartments and gardens show the splendour that Granada attained during the Nasrid dynasty. Arabic called «qa'lat al-Hamra'» that means Red Castle because of its reddish walls. Documents attributes Sawwar ben Hamdun establishment of the first castle here when he was looking for refugee in Granada. Quickly the castle became a military fortress because the hill is an strategic point with a view over the whole city and the meadow. The site is so astuning that you will need around 3 hour to inmerse into its walls. From the Alcazaba and the palaces, Patio of the Lions, the Justice Gate, the building of the Baths, to the Comares Room and the Hall of the Boat. Generalife Summer Palace comes afterwards, with refreshing and floral garden with amazing views over Alhambra. Visiting Time: Due is the most visited monument of Spain booking in advance is required. Daytime (Monday-Sunday): from 8:30 to 14:00/ 14.00 to 20:00 Night Visits (Tuesday-Saturday): from 22:00 to 23:30 h. Address: Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada Granada Mosque Since 2003 is home for an important Arab community. The Mosque is next to the Mirador de San Nicolas, directly opposite the Alhambra Palace. This peaceful space welcomes visiting Muslims to the city. Address: Plaza de San Nicolás, s/n, 18010 Granada Albayzin Muslim Quarters The district of Albaycin is one of the most historic places to visit in Granada. Located on the hill opposite the Alhambra is great for walking among its narrow streets with old Arab houses full of flowers and fontains. The most famous view point of Granada is here, Mirador de San Nicolas offer amaizing views of Alhambra Palace. Address: Plaza de San Nicolás,

Discover Granada Islamic Heritage sites & other must see sights The Alhambra and the Generalife The Alhambra is an UNESCO site dated on 9th century. Its palaces, towers, royal apartments and gardens show the splendour that Granada attained during the Nasrid dynasty. Arabic called «qa’lat al-Hamra’» that means Red Castle because of its reddish walls.

La Fiesta de la Toma stirs controversy over Spain’s Islamic heritage by Emilio Alzueta GRANADA History can easily become a matter of names and definitions. The great Brazilian pedagogue Paulo Freire pointed out the relationship between naming and power: the winners of history, the powerful, coin the language that creates a vision of the world which will benefit their interests. Admittedly, there is always room for legitimate differences of opinion; yet, a classical epistemology -also upheld by the Islamic tradition- predicates the possibility of knowing reality as it is, of distinguishing truth from falsehood. Striving towards an adequate and truthful understanding of history, within its inevitable limitations, is a necessity which cannot be discarded by the allurement of ideological interests, nor by invoking a kind of exaggerated postmodernist perspectivism. In 1492, the last Nasrid king of Granada -the only remaining territory of the great civilization of Al-Andalus- surrendered the city to Ferdinand and Isabel, the Catholic Kings who had unified the Christian kingdoms of the north into a single state. For them, as for so many others afterwards, this was the culmination of the ‘Reconquest’, a term that implies conquering back what had once existed, before being taken away. This notion has always underpinned a certain line of Spanish historiography which considers that the Romans and the Visigoths had formed an entity that could already be considered Spain, on the foundations of Roman law and Catholic Christianity -an entity which was then invaded and conquered by the Muslims, and which, notwithstanding the glory of their civilization, was understandably taken back and unified as a Christian country, pure in the true faith and in the eradication of unorthodoxy. The great Spanish historian Américo Castro -and those that follow his seminal work- disagree, however, with this assessment. According to them, there was

La Fiesta de la Toma stirs controversy over Spain’s Islamic heritage by Emilio Alzueta GRANADA History can easily become a matter of names and definitions. The great Brazilian pedagogue Paulo Freire pointed out the relationship between naming and power: the winners of history, the powerful, coin the language that creates a vision of the world